for Sarah Greenleaf Whittier

---

Trying to imagine you--

age: nine

or eleven

hair: honey coloured,

pig-tailed

bound in ribbon

sturdy legs--

no, not just sturdy legs--

long, skinny legs, pleated

skirt above knees

tall, the eyes downcast,

the feet small, somewhat invisible
in the uncut grass,

invokes for me
a whole realm of

when I thought
to know you.

Now,

nothing

I can fix
the mind on

not even
detail of hair
behind ear,

loose at
temples,

of girl
sitting across
from me

at Chinese Chance
curious resemblance
too close

to be coincidental

or not take notice of--

and seeking to become articulate--

not what
will be

or was before,

but not known--

my only refuge
in the poem